a convenient stop along the route. “Obviously, we’re very focused on oil and gas out in this area, but we’re also very environmentally conscious as well.We have a lot of high environmental standards within our community, and we take that very seriously,” Zahara conveys. INVESTING IN GROWTH Infrastructure investment is at the forefront of the town’s growth strategy, as Zahara discloses,“We have a very ambitious infrastructure plan right now. Our capital budget for the town of Edson, which is just under 9000 people, is over $80 million this year.”This includes improvements to storm and sanitary sewer lines, bringing additional water wells online, and road paving projects. The revitalized Edson Public Library is another significant undertaking, made possible through a partnership with Yellowhead County, and the Province of Alberta. “It’s a facility that’s been in our community for 40 years, and this is the first major investment in it,” he details. “With Yellowhead County, we also have the YCE Center, which is an expansion and renovation of our current leisure Center. It is going to have a brand new pool, a brand new ice rink, as well as a brand new gymnasium and walking track.This is a very big project in our community, and that will support our region for decades to come.” As for housing inventory, Zahara acknowledges, “A lot of the major oil and gas projects have now been 79 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 EDSON, AB
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